Solvent-free Mechanochemical synthesis of organic compounds

Review Article

Abstract

Solvents are extensively used in large quantities for organic processes. Often, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used as solvents. The environment is seriously threatened by their toxicity and volatility. Additionally, they are frequently extremely combustible and can have a variety of harmful health impacts, such as allergic skin responses, headaches, and irritated eyes. It is also known or believed that some VOCs cause cancer. Minimizing the use of toxic solvents in research, both in academia and industry, is crucial. Organic synthesis has seen a significant increase in advancements in green procedures without the use of solvents due to their many benefits, which include high efficiency and selectivity, ease of separation and purification, gentle reaction conditions, less waste, and significant advantages for the environment as well as the industrial sector. Mechanochemistry, the use of mechanical energy for reactions, has been a popular solvent-free alternative method for chemical transformations for the past few decades. It is also called grind-stone chemistry because it uses a simple and ancient tool called a mortar and pestle. The synthesis of different heterocycles as well as multicomponent reactions and basic two-component condensation processes may all be accomplished using this method. Improved Claisen-Schmidt condensation can occur by grinding the reactants at ambient temperature without the need for solvents. Compared to traditional reactions, this technique is straightforward, inexpensive, efficient, and ecologically safe with a high yield economy. There may be potential contaminants from milling reactors, amorphization sometimes, and difficulty controlling the synthesis precisely